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Archive for April, 2010

The Latest on Cellulite: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

No matter how advanced technology becomes with lasers, ultrasound, radio frequency or infrared heat techniques, a truly effective, long lasting treatment for cellulite remains elusive.  Why is cellulite such a difficult problem to treat?  Well, let’s start with exactly what that cottage cheese-like appearance is all about.

Cellulite is an architectural issue between connective tissue of the skin and fatty tissue.  The skin is connected to underlying muscle by fibrous connective cords.  Fat lies between these structures.  The fat pushes out against the skin, while the cords pull down, creating a dimpling effect on the surface.  The number, orientation and way these connective cords are organized in the tissue affects the amount and severity of cellulite a person may have.  Even though it is a common problem, It is a complex one, which is why there is no easy solution.

Cellulite is typically seen in the thighs, hips and buttocks of most women and may be genetically linked.  Excessive weight can make cellulite more noticeable, but it can be seen in lean body types as well.  It can also worsen with age as the skin loses elasticity.

You’ve probably seen countless ads with promises to eliminate cellulite.  The truth is that no single treatment is completely effective.  Topical creams, massage therapy and body wraps only provide a temporary effect on the appearance of cellulite at best, if they even do anything at all.  Of all the topical treatments, studies did show that topically applied retinol over a period of 6 months improved the appearance of cellulite because it helped stimulate collagen production and strength in the skin.  Mesotherapy, a technique that uses the injection of various substances into the fatty tissue to dissolve it, remains largely unstudied and can have unpredictable outcomes or only temporary improvement.  More invasive procedures, such as liposuction, can remove fat in the deeper layers, but its effect on superficial fat mostly seen in cellulite can be disappointing.  Laser assisted liposuction may be helpful for very small localized surface areas, but also requires more study.  Devices that combine radio frequency, infrared heat and suction with massage have gained popularity, but results on their effectiveness are often mixed and they typically require on-going treatments.

A new concept that may have future application for cellulite reduction is cryolysis.  There is evidence that fatty tissue is sensitive to cold temperature injury.  Currently, this concept is used in the Zeltiq procedure (cryolipolysis), which reduces small pockets of fat in the waist and love-handle areas of the body.  We have seen amazing results with the Zeltiq for this indication and I look forward to more research on cryolysis for the improvement of cellulite as well.  Trust me, as soon as there is a safe, non-invasive device that truly improves cellulite, we will offer it!!

 

Keep Your Makeup Fresh! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Most people do some sort of “spring cleaning” around this time of year with the clothes in their closet, but what we often forget to sort through is our makeup drawer.  Facing all those old lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes of disappointments past can easily make you want to keep that drawer shut.  Now is the time however to get rid of the old and bring in some new, especially because makeup can harbor bacteria and become spoiled even before its expiration date, especially if not properly handled and stored.

Here are some guidelines to help you get started on lightening your load and keeping your skin and makeup more healthy.

Mascara:  Mascara should be discarded after 3 or 4 months, even if the tube is not empty.  It is a favorite home of bacteria.  Also, just twist the brush in the tube to wet the applicator.  Pumping the wand only dries out the mascara more quickly.

Eyeshadow:  Powder eyeshadows can last up to three years if not exposed to moisture - like using water or spit to double its use as an eye  liner.  Better to purchase a thin, flat brush for this purpose and use it dry instead.

Eye Liner:  Can also last up to three years, but should be sharpened after each use.

Lip Liner:  Also can last up to three years if sharpened regularly.

Blush:  Six months.

Concealer:  Up to one year.

Powder:  Pressed powders can last up to two years.

Foundation:  Water based foundations are good for up to one year, whereas oil-based up to a year and a half.  Also, use applicators like makeup sponges to apply instead of your fingers.

Lipstick:  I generally hold onto lipstick for one to two years.  After that the color can sometimes change and bacteria tends to grow.  If the lipstick has a funny smell throw it out!

Brushes:  Wash your brushes every couple of months or whenever they become saturated.  Use a mild shampoo or makeup brush cleanser, rinse, squeeze out excess moisture, reshape and allow to dry overnight before use.  Not only will your this extend the life of your brushes, but your makeup will go on better and colors will stay true as you won’t mix shades.

Liner Sharpeners:  Wiping it down with rubbing alcohol or leaving it for a few minutes in a rubbing alcohol bath, will keep this tool clean.

Other common sense, but sometimes overlooked tips include washing your hands before applying your makeup and taking time to properly close all compacts and bottles.  Use a sharpie to write the date you purchased your makeup on the label.  Time goes by quickly and something like a less often used shadow will hit 3 years old before you know it.  These steps will greatly extend the health of your makeup.   If you have any makeup that has changed color, texture or has a funny smell, discard right away.

I always prefer the use of mineral based makeup like that made by Jane Iredale and Colorescience.  Because of their high mineral content, they are even more hygienic and their colors are beautiful.  You can find both brands at our office.  Stop by and see what new colors would be right for you!

 

Annual Obagi Sale with a Special on Latisse!

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Stock up on Obagi products during our Annual Obagi Sale!

Receive 20% off all Obagi products from April 5th - April 9th, 2010.

As an extra bonus, we are giving a 10 percent discount off the purchase of Latisse, the first and only FDA approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough lashes, growing them longer, darker and fuller.  Receive 20 percent off if you purchase two or more kits!

Take advantage of these savings - stop by or call the office today!

 

Derm Terms II: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Another commonly seen, but non-cancerous growth found on the skin is known as a seborrheic keratoses (SK).  SKs can grow anywhere on the skin, except the palms of hands and soles of feet.  They can begin as small, rough bumps but become thicker over time and appear almost like someone pasted them on your skin.  The color ranges from brown to tan or black and the size can be from a pin-head to a quarter.

Sample of SK

The exact cause of SKs is still unknown, although their may be a familial component to their appearance.  Typically patients will notice and seek removal of SKs around age 30 and up.  More can appear as you get older.  While treatment is not required, SKs can become annoying as they can start to catch on clothing or jewelry and also lead to more aged skin appearance.

Removal of SKs is usually quite simple and may involve freezing the spot with liquid nitrogen, using an electric needle to sand it down, or scraping off the growth.  There is little downtime and these methods are quick and nearly pain-free.

I always say that the less things you have hanging off your skin, the better you will look and feel.  So if you start to notice these growths, or have already collected a few, see a dermatologist for easy removal.  Should you notice a sudden growth spurt of many or should any SK become itchy, bleed, change color or become irritated, please have a dermatologist check to make sure a more serious issue is not present, such as melanoma skin cancer.

 

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